Cincinnati Bengals Draft Q and A with CincyJungle.com
Leading up to the draft, we’ll be having Q and A with a host of different team and draft personalities. Today we’re honored to bring you a Question and Answer session with Joe Goodberry of Cincy Jungle.com a Cincinnati Bengals draft site. I contacted Goodberry first and foremost because he’s a guy who does a lot of draft analyzing on twitter @joegoodberry but also because of his Bengals expertise.
1) What appears to be the Bengals draft philosophy?
After 9-drafts with Marvin Lewis as Head Coach, trends are starting to surface. They like athletes, tweeners and usually draft BPA. Their sub-standard scouting staff is aided by the coaching staff and I think it’s been effective because the Bengals are drafting players that fit their schemes now.
2) What are the Bengals needs heading into the draft?
They’ve pretty much eliminated many “needs” by signing low-end veterans like Terrence Newman, Jason Allen, Jamaal Anderson, Travelling Wharton, Jacob Bell and Benjarvus Green-Ellis. Still, many of those signings are stop-gap solutions and I would say are still need positions.
Starters Needed: RB, WR, OG, S, CB
Developmental Needs: DT, DE, WLB
3) Are there any young players who could step up to fill the needs from question 2?
Guards Clint Boling (4th round, 2011) and Otis Hudson (5th round, 2010) should battle for the RG spot. Safeties Taylor Mays (2nd round 2010), Robert Sands (5th round, 2011) and Jeromy Miles (UDFA, UMass, 2010) will have a chance to start opposite Reggie Nelson. Dontay Moch (3rd round, 2011) could make an impact at DE/OLB. They’ve also been waiting for Brandon Ghee (3rd round, 2010) to come around at CB.
4) Who do fans in general want most for the Bengals at 17 and 21?
We’d all love Trent Richardson and David DeCastro but it’s not very realistic. Stephon Gilmore and Dre Kirkpatrick would be two CBs we’d like to have. Michael Floyd and Kendall Wright are others high on our lists.
Others include: Mark Barron, Cordy Glenn, Doug Martin, Peter Konz, Luke Kuechly and maybe Stephen Hill or Reuben Randle.
5). Any players the Bengals have taken a particular liking too?
They sent almost the entire staff to check out Doug Martin. I’m sure he’s exactly what they’re looking for in a RB. I’d say the same for Cordy Glenn. He fits their typical mold. They coaches have really been linked to almost every pro day because they’re short-staffed in the scouting department so it’s hard to distinguish exactly who they like and who they’re doing their due-diligence with.
Now some more general draft questions.
6). Are you in the camp that the Colts should take RGIII over Andrew Luck?
No. Not at all. I think RG3 will be a great pro and I’d really like to have him on my team but Andrew Luck is super-special. He’s a unicorn. I remember watching him as a freshman (vs. Notre Dame) when Toby Gerhart was tunning for the Heisman and I knew we were watching a unique player in Luck. Not only is he off the charts mentally, he’s a rare athlete for a QB. His arm is strong enough and should be better with better lower body mechanics. He’s almost perfect and I have no doubts he’ll get close to is as a pro.
7). Last year Prince Amukamara fell further in the first round than anyone expected, who do you think might be that player this year?
Justin Blackmon. He’s my #8 overall player but many think he’s top five worthy. I don’t think he’s an elite player in this draft and he has two players right behind him in Kendall Wright and Michael Floyd. Either of those guys could be rated higher than Blackmon depending on who you ask. I ultimately think Blackmon will be selected between 10-16 but that’s further than most projected him after the season.
8). One of the most interesting story lines for me in the draft is the class of WR. Blackmon/Floyd seem to be 1 and 2 almost universally. How would you rank the next group of players:
I have Wright as my #2 WR but Floyd is right there with him. I just prefer the speed. After those top three, I have (in order) Stephen Hill, Reuben Randle, Marvin Jones, Alshon Jeffery and Mohamed Sanu in that next tier. Both Hill and Randle could develop into ‘X’ receivers and number one types. Marvin Jones is a favorite of mine. I love his agility, flexibility and body control. He’s the prototype ‘Z’ receiver for me. I’d take Jones early round two. Jeffery and Sanu are lower in this tier because of speed. I love their hands and strong bodies but separation will be an issue. Jeffery has more go-to WR potential but Sanu should catch 90-balls as a WR/Slot guy in a passing offense. Brian Quick I have leading the next tier of developmental/role WRs. I love his ball skills and the ability to play above the CB. He looks raw (obviously) and needs a confidence boost. I’ll be interested in his development.
9). What is LaMichael James in the NFL?
Good question. I really don’t know. Can he be a Warrick Dunn? Maybe he’s more likely to be just a role player. I probably wouldn’t draft him until round four as a backup/change-of-pace type runner. I don’t see the “Darren Sproles” upside I’ve seen some say. I’m afraid he’s too small, too fragile and isn’t versatile enough to make enough of an impact right away.
10). Lastly any players you’ve taken off your draft board that you just don’t want the Bengals to draft (or you wouldn’t draft if you ran a team?)
I’ve taken guard Rishaw Johnson (Drugs) and defensive end Donte Paige-Moss (Dumb Ass) off of my board completely. Players like Janoris Jenkins have enough talent to eventually take a chance on.
Follow me on twitter @JoeGoodberry and visit CincyJungle.com to keep up on everything Bengals.